About UP Sigma Beta Sorority
The Beginning
On February 1, 1932, twelve university women gathered at the Florida Dormitory gardens, each with her own talents, charm, and interests. United by a shared vision of friendship and service, they founded what would become the UP Sigma Beta Sorority.
Led by Liwayway Gonzales, the group included:
Pacita Pestano, Medin Garcia, Rosalinda Claudio, Nelly Burgos, Consuelo Salazar, Elvira Bocobo, Purificacion Sunico, Serafina Vinzons, Virginia Araullo, Remedios Trinidad, and Filipinas Salvosa. These pioneering women, soon known as Betans, established an exclusive sorority grounded in beauty, intellect, integrity, and civic commitment.
Formally recognized by the University of the Philippines on February 14, 1932, the Sorority embraced a mission of value enhancement and academic excellence. Founder Consuelo Salazar-Perez recalled that membership had to be earned—through discipline, leadership, and character—not inherited by privilege.
The Legacy
The UP Sigma Beta Sorority is the first and oldest recognized Greek-letter sorority in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia. Since its establishment on 14th of February 1932, it has continued to produce women of substance forged with academic excellence, political leadership, and social involvement.
Over the decades, the UP Sigma Beta Sorority became a vital part of the university community, participating in cultural projects, socio-civic work, and campus leadership.
As the University of the Philippines system expanded, so did the Sorority:
UP Los Baños chapter was founded on August 15, 1955, UP Visayas and UP Mindanao chapters followed on February 3 and October 26, 1997, and UP Baguio welcomed its chapter on September 11, 2004.
Now 93 years strong, UP Sigma Beta Sorority continues to uphold the legacy of its founding sisters—championing courage, beauty, wisdom, and grace.
